Firearms and Narcotics Arrests

On April 20, 2023, at approximately 1:00 a.m., a Chico Police officer conducted a vehicle stop for an observed vehicle violation in the area of E. 19th St. and Locust St. The vehicle was occupied by the driver, identified as 51- year-old Eugene Needham, and a passenger, identified as 38-year-old Nicole Taylor. During the stop, the officer learned that Needham was on Butte County Post Release Community Service and had an active felony warrant for his arrest. Upon searching Needham prior to the arrest on the warrant, live ammunition and an ounce of methamphetamine were found in Needham’s pocket.

After Needham and Taylor were detained, a search of the vehicle was conducted. During a vehicle search, officers found another ounce of Methamphetamine, two ounces of Fentanyl, an ounce of Psilocybin mushrooms, packaging for sale of a controlled substance, approximately $1200 in cash, and scales to weigh out controlled substances for sale. In addition to the narcotics, three firearms, two handguns, and one rifle were located inside the vehicle. One of the firearms was previously reported stolen. The vehicle Needham was driving is registered to the passenger Taylor, and the two of them confirmed they were in a romantic relationship.

Both Needham and Taylor were arrested and booked into the Butte County Jail on the below charges:

• Needham: Felon in possession of a firearm, possession of Fentanyl for sale, Possession of Methamphetamine for sale, transportation of a controlled substance for sale, felon in possession of ammunition, possession of a controlled substance while armed with a firearm and his felony warrant.
• Taylor: Possession of Fentanyl for sale, possession of Methamphetamine for sale, transportation of a controlled substance for sale, possession of a concealed firearm in a vehicle, possession of a controlled substance while armed with a firearm.

Location: E. 19th and Locust St, Chico

Suspects: Eugene Needham (51) and Nicole Taylor (38)

Supervisor: Mark Bass, Sergeant

Lieutenant: Jeff Durkin

The Chico Police Department is committed to ensuring our community is a safe place to live, work, and recreate within!